Mini Mavericks

Mini Mavericks, like many programs, disappeared during 2020's COVID lockdown. After much feedback, we are finally bringing it BACK to our offerings for parents and children in our community.

We’re excited to announce the relaunch of Mini Mavericks, a special program designed to foster parent-child interaction and community connection for families with young children (ages 0–4). Held on the second floor of our school, Mini Mavericks offers a unique, play-based learning environment where parents and caregivers can bond with their little ones through engaging activities, stories, and creative projects—all while building relationships with other families in our community. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new, how it works, and how you can make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

What is Mini Mavericks?

Mini Mavericks is a free, interactive program that provides a safe, controlled space for parents and children to explore, play, and learn together. Every session is facilitated by an on-site staff member who will guide the group through stories, activities, and conversations, creating an environment where both children and adults can engage in creative play. Our goal is to provide a nurturing space for families to connect, learn, and have fun while building a sense of community.

New for This Year

As we relaunch Mini Mavericks, we’re introducing a few changes to help improve the experience for everyone involved:

1. Stroller Accessibility: For families with infants and strollers, please enter through the Dickens door and leave strollers on the playground. Infants may use the elevator to reach the second floor. Please note that strollers should not be brought up to the play area.
2. Facilities and Comfort: Each session will include a variety of engaging, play-based activities. Coffee will be available for adults to enjoy while keeping an eye on the children. A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere is key, and we’ve designed the space with your needs in mind.
3. New Projects & Art Focus: This year, we’ll be emphasizing process-focused art rather than product-focused art. This approach encourages creativity and self-expression over replicating a specific finished product. We believe that the creative process—whether it’s painting, building, or experimenting—helps children develop important skills such as problem-solving, fine motor coordination, and self-confidence.

How It Works: A Typical Mini Mavericks Session

Mini Mavericks will take place on Fridays from 8:45 AM to 10:15 AM. Here’s what you can expect:

• 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM: Families will begin the morning with gross motor play on the playground. This is a wonderful time for kids to run, jump, and explore while parents can relax and chat with other caregivers.
• 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: After outdoor play, we’ll move indoors to the second floor library for our seasonal art project and storytime. The library will be set up with different play-based centers, including the art project materials for the day. At 10:00 AM, we’ll gather everyone for storytime, using hats, props, and fun voices to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
• Art Time: After the story, we’ll dive into our seasonal art project. Each project will focus on process over product, giving children the freedom to explore and create in their own way. Our staff will assist in guiding the activities and explaining the developmental benefits of each project to caregivers.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

• Engagement: We encourage you to actively engage with your child during the session. Participate in the activities, play alongside them, and, most importantly, take time to connect with other parents and caregivers.
• Process-Focused Art: The focus on process over product allows children to express themselves without the pressure of following a set pattern or end result. This promotes creativity and problem-solving skills, and each child’s creation will be one of a kind.
• Social Connections: One of the core purposes of Mini Mavericks is to help families form lasting connections. We encourage you to introduce yourself to others, chat with fellow parents, and build friendships that may continue beyond the program.

Supporting Families and Building Community

Mini Mavericks is not just a fun, interactive program for children—it’s also an opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect with one another and build meaningful relationships within our community.

Additionally, the last Friday of the month beginning in January, we’ll host a guided Admissions Tour.  Parents and caregivers can come visit the rest of our school and see our wonderful students and teachers hard at work. This is a great time to have all your questions answered and learn about how you can be a part of the St. James school community. Your children are welcome to stay and play in Mini Mavericks during this time. We believe that fostering a sense of belonging and support is just as important as the activities we provide for the little ones.

As part of our commitment to the families we serve, we have resources available for those interested in learning more about the programs and support we offer. We encourage families to explore our marketing materials, such as look books and event flyers, which are available in the room. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the additional services and offerings we provide for families, feel free to reach out.

We’re here to support your journey as a parent or caregiver, and we hope Mini Mavericks becomes a place where you not only create lasting memories with your child but also build connections with others who share similar experiences.

Cleanliness and Safety

As always, the health and safety of your family is our top priority. After each session, staff will ensure that the play areas are cleaned, sanitized, and ready for the next group. Please help us maintain a tidy space by cleaning up after your little ones and storing any materials when you're done.

Let’s Build Community Together!

Mini Mavericks is about more than just play—it's about creating a space where families can come together, learn from one another, and foster relationships. Whether you’re new to our school or have been part of the community for years, we welcome you to join us for this exciting, interactive program.

We look forward to seeing you and your child at the next session of Mini Mavericks! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and don’t forget to register ahead of time to reserve your spot!

Mini Mavericks
Fridays, 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Second Floor, St. James Lutheran School

2101 N Fremont St.

Chicago, IL 60614